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Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2011 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/littlesketchesgl02gare 




GEORGE WASHINGTON'S HEADQUARTERS WHILE SURVEYING WASHINGTON IN 1791 



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LITTLE SKETCHES & GLIMPSES of 
OUR NATIONAL CAPITAL 

by 

MABEL FONDA GAREISSEN 

'I 

The subject matter of these sketches has been drawn from 
accurate sources and includes many facts not easily 
accessible to the general public. The illus- 
trations, photographed especially for the 
book, were selected with careful ref- 
erence both to artistic merit 
and historic interest. 

t 9 






L<rp/A 



0- 



ifflt. Vernon 




OUNT VERNON, the home of George Washington from 1754 to his death in 1799, is 
about sixteen miles south of Washington on the right bank of the Potomac river. Through 
the will of his half brother, Lawrence Washington, George inherited it when he was twenty- 
years of age. It was named by Lawrence for Admiral Vernon, an English naval officer under 
whom he had served against Spain. Until after the close of the Revolutionary war, the estate 
of Mount Vernon was very primitive, the mansion having but four rooms of modest dimensions 
to each of its two floors. The outbuildings were scanty and only a small portion of the land was 
under cultivation. After Washington resigned his commission at Annapolis, December 23, 
1 783, he hastened to his beloved home, again to take up his favorite occupation of farming. Down to the 
most minute details he superintended the improvements of the place, being his own architect in the enlarge- 
ment of the mansion and personally directing the beautifying of the grounds. 

Words can convey but a faint idea of the grandeur of the situation and the magnificent view from 
the brow of the hill, where the mansion stands. Washington's greatest pride was the forestry and although 
during the Civil war the negroes cut down many valuable trees, for firewood, yet enough were left to show 
the general plan, namely, the design of a shield being left intact in one part and the old liberty bell in another. 
Here the various parts of the world were represented by their trees, and with their boughs coming together, 
sometimes overlapping, grew the Mountain Ash, the Magnolia, the Elm, the Evergreen, the Coffee-bean, 
Cypress, Cedar, Beech and others, all flourishing under his loving care. So enthusiastic was this great man 
over his forestry that his friends caught the spirit and added to the collection. LaFayette in 1 824 planted 
a Kentucky Coffee-tree ; Jefferson sent strawberry shrubs from Monticello. From May to October the luxu- 
rious growth of the old trees and the undergrowth are a mass of variegated color, exquisite beyond the telling. 
The mansion where so many illustrious people were entertained was a mansion indeed in Colonial 
days, but compared with mansions of to-day, it is small and the arrangement inconvenient. But so long as 
it stands, grateful Americans will make their loving pilgrimage to this shrine, and reverently pass through 
[6] its rooms, where their great hero lived and died ; the hero " Who knew no glory but his country's good." 




W)t JWanston, 
fflt. Vernon 



[7] 



After the death of Martha Washington, Mount Vernon was utterly neglected for years, until, in 1855, 
John Augustine Washington, the owner, unable to maintain it, offered it for sale. The people failing to 
interest Congress in its purchase and restoration, Miss Anne Pamela Cunningham of South Carolina under- 
took the task of raising the required $200,000 from the people of the country to purchase the mansion 
and surrounding grounds. In 1858 The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association was organized, the regent 
being Miss Cunningham. Vice-regents from twelve states were elected and efforts were made to raise the 
money. Edward Everett contributed $69,000, Washington Irving $500 and thousands of school children 
gave five cents each; thus the full sum was raised by 1859. Two hundred acres of land, the mansion and 
the tomb became the property of the association, which has restored and has tenderly cared for every part. 



THE TOMB wherein lie the remains of George Washington and his wife, Martha, is a spacious brick 
vault with vines trailing over it and surrounded by memorial trees set out by Dom Pedro, Emperor of 
Brazil; a British oak placed there by the request of the King of England; two, by college fraternities; 
another by the children of the American Revolution, besides several others. 

All patriotic Americans rejoice that the efforts to remove the remains of George Washington to a 
more public place have failed, for what spot could be found as appropriate for his long, last resting-place, 
as that on the hillside of his own beloved Mount Vernon? 



[81 




GTfje GTomfc of 

(Jieorge 

^asifjington 



[9] 



l^agfjtngton, 

tfje Jlational 

Capital 




[10] 



(f VERY nation points with pride to its Capital city and makes it the central font for its art, 
literature and science. A nation's Capital is the legitimate center for great universities, 
[•& libraries, art galleries, museums, etc., and it is there and there only that such institutions can 
assume a truly national air. Its institutions are for all the people of the country and not for 
any one community, state or section, hence they should receive the interest and hearty sup- 
port of every man, woman and child dwelling in peace and security under the protection of 
the nation's constitution and flag. In natural beauty, Washington far surpasses all other 
capitals and great cities of the world, for, in the beginning unerring judgment and rare taste 
were displayed by wise leaders, in the selection of its site and the arrangement of its plan. It abounds in 
broad avenues (named for the various states), lined on either side with magnificent trees whose foliage 
forms an arch extending in many places from curb to curb. There are three hundred and two picturesque 
parks within the city limits in which stand statues erected to illustrious men; these are surrounded by rare 
flowers and evergreens, shrubs, pines and old elms. As a residential city for men of wealth, it grows 
perceptibly each season and the magnificent homes they erect add greatly to its architectural beauty. The 
time is fast approaching when Washington will be the center not only of architecture, but of sculpture, 
painting and music as well. As a literary and scientific center, it already takes its place among the noted 
Capitals of the world and can boast of one scientific man of international reputation to every five hundred 
of its population. 

Until we had a national capital, Congress held its sessions in four different states and eight cities. 
New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Lancaster, York, Princeton, Annapolis and Trenton. Even after seven 
years controversy over the location of a Capital city Congress fixed no definite site but gave George Wash- 
ington authority to make the selection within certain limits on the Potomac River. He gave added 
proof of his usual sound judgment in deciding upon the tract of land between Georgetown and Alexandria. 
At this time, vast plantations comprising 7, 1 00 acres, occupied this tract, owned by Daniel Carroll, Motley 
Young, Samuel Davidson and David Burns. 



Circle 




[13] 




*T IS the imposing dome of the United States Capitol that the visitor first sees when entering 
(11/1)6 (LflptlOl j^| Jjj, Washington. This great building was not fully completed until 1867, almost seventy-five years 

after the first corner-stone was laid, for from the beginning the construction was, through various 
causes, interrupted and delayed. The site selected having been approved by the President, the 
question of plans for the building next occupied the attention of those in authority. Washington 
and Jefferson conceived the idea of advertising in the New York and Philadelphia papers for 
plans. There were sixteen replies, mostly from amateurs who had no practical or artistic ideas. 
Stephen Hallet, a Frenchman, residing in Philadelphia approached nearest to the ideas of Wash- 
ington and Jefferson, and his plans would doubtless have been accepted had not William Thornton, an 
English physician and amateur draughtsman, residing in the West Indies, brought another to Jefferson's 
attention. Washington at once became enthusiastic over "The grandeur, simplicity and beauty of exterior; 
the propriety with which the apartments were distributed, and the economy in the whole mass of structure." 
As Thornton was not a practical architect, Hallet, who had been encouraged, was engaged to "Reduce his 
rival's plans to practical form." Under the circumstances it was impossible for the relations of the two 
architects to be long amicable. Two years later Hallet was discharged and George Hadfield of the 
Royal Academy was engaged to come to America to superintend the work. But he, like Hallet, soon 
began to ingraft his own plans into the construction and in 1 798 he too was dismissed. When Thornton 
in 1803 resigned to become Keeper of Patents, Benjamin H. Latrobe was appointed supervising architect. 
He was followed by Charles Bullfinch of Boston, who completed the center of the building in 1827, thirty 
years after the corner-stone was laid. 

After the war with Mexico, owing to the great growth of the country, it was decided "To extend the 

wings by greater wings called extensions" and in 1851 Thomas V. Water of Philadelphia, a noted architect, 

was engaged. He drew plans to complete the dome, making it appear much as it does today. He knew 

that extending the wings and leaving the little dome would make the building squatty and absurd, but was 

.... also aware that Congress would not appropriate any such sum as he required to complete it, so he first 




aCfte Capitol 
of tije 
Uniteb States 



[15] 



submitted the plans for the wings and waited until Congress was about to adjourn. It was an evening 
session and everybody was happy at the thought of returning home and no one was inclined to think of 
expense. At this psychological moment Water submitted his handsomely drawn plan of the dome. The 
enthusiasm it created was so great that before Congress realized the money was appropriated. It is owing 
to this little trick that the crowning glory of the Capitol exists. 

The south-east corner-stone was laid by George Washington, September 18, 1 793, with imposing 
ceremonies. The north wing was ready for the first sitting of Congress in Washington, November 1 7, 1 800. 

Through the conflicting tastes of many decorators, some of whom were foreigners, the Capitol has 
suffered; yet it has not the unsymmetric appearance of many of the world's great buildings. It has grown 
with the nation and so long as the nation stands it will not be completed. Each generation will leave its 
impress and so mark the progress of the people. Up to the present time it has cost sixteen million dollars. 



[16] 



botanical 
#arbeng 




[17] 



W$t ILttirarp 
of Congress 




V HE Congressional Library of Washington, the most beautiful and the cost- 
liest library building in the world, had its beginning in a very small and 
Jj unpretentious way. This magnificent structure, containing about one million 
books and forty-five miles of shelving, took its rise in a small appropriation 
of five thousand dollars made in April, 1800, for fitting up a room in the 
Capitol with books for the use of Congress. At that time there were 1 ,064 
\gS/ books and 9 maps. The beautiful grounds of the library adjoin those of 

■h the Capitol. The building is in the Italian renaissance style of architecture, 

from plans prepared by Smithmeyer and Pelz and modified by Edward Pierce Casey. 
Americans had had no representation during the early days in the decoration of the 
Capitol, where the work of foreigners often failed to catch our national spirit, but, in the 
Library of Congress American sculptors and painters have left a fitting monument to their 
genius, taste and ability. 

In 1815 Congress purchased the library of Thomas Jefferson, consisting of 6,700 
volumes and this formed the nucleus of the present library. In December, 1 864, Ainsworth 
R. Spofford was appointed librarian by President Lincoln, a position he held for thirty- 
seven years. During this period the growth of the library was most marked and has 
continued unchecked. It is the intellectual repository of our country and besides the 
books, contains many etchings and drawings by the best artists and a music-room contain- 



[18] 




Wit library 
of Congress 



[19] 



ing 300,000 sheets of music. There 
is also a large reading-room devoted 
to the blind and the library for these 
afflicted ones is very complete. After 
a lapse of twenty-five years this most 
palatial edifice was completed at a 
net cost exclusive of site of $6,000,000. 
The library requires the service of 
34 1 persons. By a system of pneu- 
matic tubes (centering at the attend- 
ants' desk) any of the books in the 
library can be delivered to the readers 
in the main reading-room and to the 
senators and congressmen at the Cap- 
itol, a quarter-mile away, within three 
minutes after the request for them 
is made. 



[20] 






FOREMOST among the world's monuments 
to any one man is that erected to the first 
President of the United States, George Wash- 
ington. The initial step toward erecting this 
most imposing and costly monument, was 
taken by Congress in 1 783, but not until the year 1833, 
when the people of Washington, D. C, formed the or- 
ganization called The National Monument Society, with 
Chief Justice Marshall as president, was anything definite 
done. Artists were invited to submit plans which should 
"Harmoniously blend durability, simplicity and grandeur." 
An original design by Robert Mills was selected and the 
corner-stone was laid on the Fourth of July, 1 848. Work 
progressed slowly, and in 1854 the $300,000 contributed 
was exhausted, the monument standing incomplete until 
1876, when Congress appropriated $200,000, also 
assuming the responsibility for its completion. It was 
dedicated February 12, 1885, the total cost having 
amounted to $2,000,000. 

In a square of forty acres, a tract of land admired 
by Washington, its more that eighty thousand tons of 
white marble rises 555 feet and six inches. The cost to 
the government each year for carrying visitors up and 
down is $20,000. 



Mlas'ljington 
jfflonument 



[21] 



tEfje bureau 
of Cngrabmg 
anb printing 



HE Bureau of Engraving and Printing is a branch of the 
Treasury Department, for it is here that the government 
bonds, national currency, postage and revenue stamps, 
military and naval and diplomatic commissions, passports, 
etc., are printed or engraved. Great secrecy is maintained 
in printing from the plates, and still farther to guard 
against counterfeiting, the copies of the original plates are 
used, the originals being kept stored away. Every morn- 
ing about nine o'clock one may see the huge steel wagons passing under 
guard to the treasury, where a million dollars is deposited, there to be 
finished and put into circulation. 




[22] 




tEfje bureau 
of Cngratring 
anb -printing 



[23] 



Qflfje ^Treasury 




upon a 



[24] 



MMEDIATELY after the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress appointed two 
joint treasurers, of the United Colonies, who followed Congress in its peregrinations. At the close 
of the Revolutionary war it became imperative that there should be someone at the head of the 
Treasury to take the responsibility of devising ways and means for paying off our foreign and 
domestic war debt. Robert Morris of Philadelphia was appointed "Superintendent of Finance," 
September, 1 78 1 , and succeeded in keeping our credit afloat at a time when the affairs of the Nation 
were in a very unsettled condition. He also gave liberally to the country from his private fortune. 
These were trying years for George Washington and his associates, for Congress could not agree 
location for the National Capital and the country was threatened with bankruptcy. About this time 
the Treasury Department was established and Alexander Hamilton was appointed Secretary. Although 
but thirty-three years of age, he was a genius. Talleyrand, the French statesman, referred to him as "One 
of the wonders of the earth." Hamilton's first act after assuming the office of Secretary of the Treasury, 
was to recommend the payment of our foreign and domestic war debt in full. In consideration of the fact 
that the Nation had less than four million people, the payment of $75,000,000 seemed an utter impossibility 
to Congress. Hamilton, however, stood firm and through his unerring judgment our treasury system was 
established upon a foundation so firm that it has never been shaken. 

The growth was slow and most discouraging. When Washington was made the National Capital, 
the Treasury building was so small it scarcely accommodated the few clerks employed and the records 
were packed in a store nearby, which soon after burned. The contents of the Treasury were again con- 
sumed by fire in 1833. It was then that a suitable Treasury building was decided upon. Another bitter 
controversy arose as to its location. One morning President Jackson whose patience had been quite 
exhausted, rushed from the White House to the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and 15 th street and 
thrusting his walking stick into the ground, angrily exclaimed, "Put the building right here," and there it 
was built. It was completed in 1867 at a cost of over $7,000,000. In the modified Ionic-Greek style, it 
ranks architecturally, second only to the Capitol. 




©je Creasurp 

of tf)C 

Uniteb States 



[25] 



In the Treasury of the United States there is a never-ending flow of money. After the receipt each 
morning of the sheets of notes from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, they are sent to the sealing 
room, where the "Red Seal" of the Register of the Treasury is stamped upon them. Then the notes are 
cut and counted by many experts, done up in packages and deposited in the currency reserve vault 
where they remain for two or more months. Each day as a new lot is placed in the vault, the same 
amount is taken out to be put into circulation, eventually to return from the various banks of the country, 
worn, soiled and much mutilated, to be redeemed in the Redemption Division. Every day at one 
o'clock this mutilated money after having been examined by experts is deposited in the macerator, which 
grinds the contents to a pulp. It is then returned to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, to be made 
into book-binders board. In the Treasury and Sub-treasuries of the United States are kept the equivalent 
in silver and gold of every gold and silver certificate (paper money) in circulation. 

So enormous is the business of the Treasury Department today that many of its offices have been 
forced into other quarters, and were there another building of similar size the room would still be inadequate. 



tZPlJE S>tate, /^T n^ HE State, War and Navy Building ranks as the largest and most magnificent office building in 
(filar antl J the world. There are five hundred rooms and two miles of marble halls. The state department 

jSabp J^uilbirtg j s the depository for all proclamations of the President; for treaties, records and pardons of all 

descriptions. The building also contains a large library of fifty thousand volumes. War and 
naval trophies of historic interest and portraits of noted men. It is interesting to know that from 
this point, through the administration of the Secretary of War and his bureaus, our Army can be 
equipped, ready for war in less than six hours. 

[26] 





3Dfje g>tate, 
OTiar anb 
JSabp Jluilbing 



[27] 



?mttijSontan 
3fnsstitute 




N INTERESTING story is connected with the founding of the Smithsonian 
$ Institute. In 1835, President Jackson announced that James Smithson, 
an Englishman, although he had never visited America, nor had any 
friends here, had left $5 1 5,000, his entire fortune, to found at Washing- 
ton, under the name of the Smithsonian Institute, an establishment for 
"The increase and diffusion of knowledge among men." James Smithson 
was the natural son of the Duke of Northumberland and Mrs. Elizabeth 
Macie, a niece of Charles, Duke of Somerset. Although of royal blood, 
it counted for naught and naturally he became embittered. After leaving Oxford he took 
the name of Smithson determining that it should live when the name of his noble ancestors 
was forgotten. He devoted himself to scientific interests until his death in Genoa in 1829. 
Congress after much deliberation and debate accepted the gift in 1 839. 

The principle of the institute is that the work shall not be local, nor even national, 
and that its energies shall not be devoted to anything that can be as well done by any 
other institution. Over two thousand foreign societies are in correspondence with the 
Smithsonian, whose experts are constantly making remarkable investigations and experi- 
ments. The Natural History and Ethnological exhibits form but a small portion of what 
has been collected; the greater number being exhibited in the National Museum and the 
Zoological Park. 



[28] 




i§>mttf)8onian 
institute 



[29] 



®fce J^attonal 
Jfluseum 




'N THE latter part of 1830, Commodore Elliott of the U. S. 
Navy, a close friend of General Jackson, brought to him a 
strange gift in the shape of an ancient sarcophagus that had 
held the body of some Roman hero of Carthage. General 
Jackson may have appreciated the motive that prompted the 
gift but did not take kindly to the idea of having his remains 
deposited therein and accordingly had the great stone placed 
in the basement of the Patent office. This was the beginning 
of what is now considered the largest collection of curios and relics in 
the world; the number exceeding four millions of specimens representing 
every age, race and nation of the globe. 



[30] 



/•tfv. 



Kit 










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> 




4-j ~ r 
is? 












7P*a* !^**,,. , 











QTfje Rational 
Jffltuseum 



[31] 



House 




[32] 



MONG the first of the government buildings to be erected in the new Capital was the Presi- 
s-5, dent's house. George Washington selected the site for it and officiated at the laying of the 
corner-stone; the ceremony occurred October 1 3, 1 792. He lived to see the home for future 
Presidents built, and with his wife walked through the various apartments shortly before 
his death. The house was fashioned after the palace of the Duke of Leinster of Dublin 
who had copied the Italian style. Its simplicity and stateliness excites the admiration of all 
travelers. The beautiful and perfectly kept grounds that surround it consist of eighteen and 
a half acres. In looking at this lovely place today, it is hard to picture the chaotic condition 
in which President and Mrs. Adams found it upon their arrival in 1 800. Excerpts from a letter of Mrs. Adams 
to her daughter, written directly after they had taken up their abode in the executive mansion, proves not 
only interesting and amusing, but shows that the American woman had, over a hundred years ago, a keen 
sense of humor. She writes, "Woods are all you see from Baltimore until you reach the city, which is only 
so in name. * * f * The house is upon a grand and superb scale, requiring about thirty servants to attend 
and keep the apartments in proper order * The lighting of the apartments from kitchen to the 

parlor and chambers is a tax indeed; and the fires we are obliged to keep to secure us from daily agues 
is another very cheering comfort. To assist us in this great castle and render less attendance necessary, 
bells are wholly wanting; not one single one being hung through the whole house, * If they will 

put me up some bells and let me have wood enough to keep fires, I design to be pleased * Sur- 

rounded by forests, would you believe that wood is not to be had because people cannot be found to cut 
and cart it. * * * * We have indeed come to a new country. There is not a single apartment finished; 
We have not the least fence, yard or other convenience without, and the great unfinished audience 
room (the East room) I make a drying room of, to hang up the clothes in, * * The principal stairs 

are not yet up and will not be this winter." — Alas, it took all the patience, tact and executive ability for 
which Mrs. Adams was noted to get the mansion in a condition for the first levee, January 1, 1801. 

On August 23, 1814, during our second war with Great Britain, looting soldiers with vagrant negroes 




Wyt Wfyitt 
Jlouge 

North View 



[33] 



entered Washington. President Madison had gone to join General Winder. The hundred men who had 
been stationed to guard the mansion had also left. Alone, save a few trusted servants, "Dolly" Madison 
remained in the house, guarding the Declaration of Independence, the cabinet papers, plate and other 
valuables belonging to the office. These she collected at the sacrifice of her own private property. About 
noon of August 24, when the enemy was actually on the doorstep, she fled. Just as she was stepping into 
her carriage she turned and caught sight of the portrait of George Washington. At the risk of capture she 
determined to take it. Not succeeding in removing it from the wall, she ordered the servants to take an 
axe and tear the frame from around it. (When the house was rebuilt the picture was rehung, where it still 
remains). Soon after Mrs. Madison's flight the looters broke down the door of the mansion and after 
ransacking it from attic to cellar, set fire to it. 

Later, when the mansion was rebuilt, it was painted white and has ever since been known as the 
"White House." 



[34] 




South View 



[35] 



W$t Statue 
of Ha Jf apette 




Jf AFAYETTE SQUARE, so named by George Washington, is the most 
beautiful of the many beautiful small parks of Washington. It is directly 
opposite the White House and surrounded on all sides by buildings of 
j historic interest and the homes of distinguished people. In the south-east 
^m^ V corner stands the splendid statue of La Fayette, the French officer, who 
in the time of our greatest need gave his purse and services to our 
JL country. The love of the American people for the Marquis La Fayette 

has continued throughout all the years that have passed since those dark days; and when 
in 1824, thirty years after he had rendered such valuable and distinguished service to this 
republic, he decided to revisit the country, Congress resolved that, "Whenever the Presi- 
dent shall be informed of the time when the Marquis may be ready to embark, a national 
ship with suitable accomodations be employed to bring him to the United States." But 
La Fayette's modesty forbade acceptance of this and he took passage in a private ship. 
When his coming became known, every American prepared to give him a hearty welcome 
and it is reported that before his arrival, people were wearing La Fayette ribbons, La Fayette 
waist-coats, La Fayette feathers, hats, caps, gloves, etc., even the ginger-cakes were stamped 
with his name. A continuous ovation was accorded him in the twenty-four states. 
After his death Congress erected a magnificent statue in honor of the man and of "The 
services he rendered to America, to the world, and to liberty." 



[36] 




W)t §£>tatue 
of Ha Jf apette 

Sculplor, Falquiere 



[37] 



tTOfje Statue of 
JXocijambeau 




NOTHER statue in La Fayette Park is that of Count 

Rochambeau who was in command of 6,000 French 

• soldiers sent to aid the Americans in 1 780 and who 

contributed to our victory at Yorktown. This statue 

was presented to the United States by France, in 1 902. 



[38] 




QLt)c statue of 
&ocf)amt)eau 

Sculptor, F. Hamar 



[39] 



Wbt Cosimosi 

Clut3 



[40] 




jp HE Cosmos Club is 
the headquarters for 
the Scientists, Investi- 
*\ji/* gators, Artists and Lit- 
erati of our country. 
Here these famous men meet 
and while passing a social hour 
or so, exchange ideas and opin- 
ions. The house has been a 
celebrated one since the time 
that the beautiful and witty 
"Dolly" Madison held her court 
there as the widow of President 
Madison. After her death, a 
number of noted men lived 
there, until the breaking out of 
the Civil war, when General 
McClellan used it for his head- 
quarters, while in command of 
the Army of the Potomac. 




THE McCLELLAN STATUE-Sculptor, MacMonnies 




ftfje Cosmos 
Club 



[41] 



©fie Rational «T% 



Cemetery, 
Arlington 




[42] 



RLINGTON, one of the most beautiful of the early estates of Virginia and one so intimately 
connected -with the history of the country, is a few miles west of Washington, on the Potomac 
river. Here lie buried 1 6,000 of our war heroes, who served their country in times of need. 
South of the path leading from the entrance gate to the mansion are the graves of soldiers 
of the Civil war, each marked by a small marble headstone. North of the path are those of 
the commissioned officers, many of whom were distinguished in the early Indian and the 
Mexican wars. By the side of a number of the officers lie their wives and families. On the 
brow of the hill near the mansion, officers of a later period are buried, among them General 
"Phil" Sheridan, Major-General Abner Doubleday, historian of Gettysburg, Major-General George Crook 
and others. The victims of the battleship Maine and hundreds who lost their lives in Cuba during our 
war with Spain are buried in the southern part of the cemetery. The monument over the unknown dead 
seems particularly sacred and touching, for under it are the remains of 2,111 soldiers, whose bodies were 
gathered after the battle of Bull Run and never identified. 

Arlington originally formed part of a grant made in 1 669 by the Governor of Virginia to Robert 
Howsen as a reward for the latter's bringing a number of settlers to the colony. Not long after he disposed 
of the entire tract for six hogsheads of tobacco to John Alexander, who in turn sold it in 1 778 to John Park 
Custis. His son, Daniel Park Custis took to wife one of the reigning belles of the times, Martha Dandridge. 
On the death of her husband and his father, not many years later, the entire property came into possession 
of the young wife and her two children. The far-famed "Widow" Custis later became the wife of George 
Washington and the mistress of Mount Vernon. The son of Martha Washington, after serving on his step- 
father's staff during the Revolutionary war, died leaving two infant children, "Nelly" and George, who 
were adopted by Washington. It was George Custis who built the present mansion at Arlington. Of his 
four children one only survived, a daughter, Mary Custis who married Robert E. Lee in 1 83 1 . They lived 
at Arlington for thirty years. At the breaking out of the Civil war Lee, after long and sad deliberation, 
resigned his commission in the army and on the twentieth of April, 1861, was appointed Major-General 




tKfje Jflansion, 
Arlington 



[43] 



and Commander of the Confederate forces of Virginia. The Government seized everything of historic 
value at Arlington and the Federal authorities took possession of the mansion for their headquarters and 
converted the grounds into a camp. January 11,1 864, it was put up at public sale for unpaid taxes 
($92.07) and was purchased by the Government for $26,000. 

Thirteen years later George Washington Custis Lee, the sole remaining male heir under the Custis 
will, brought suit in ejectment and successfully contested the legality of the title of the Government under 
tax sale but was barred by the Supreme Court. However, in recognition of his equitable claim, Congress 
appropriated $150,000 for the purchase of the estate, March 31, 1883, and Mr. Lee conveyed by deed to 
the United States all his rights therein. 



[44] 




tEfje monument 
to tfje Unknown 



[45] 



tBTfje g>oIbtenf' 




HIS home is for the benefit of men honorably discharged 
from the regular army after twenty years' service, or, who 
have been disabled by wounds or disease contracted 
during service. It was established in 1 85 1 , through the 
efforts of General Scott, from funds received from prop- 
erty confiscated during the Mexican war. Situated on 
high ground, three miles north of the city, overlooking the 
winding Potomac river, the Capitol, Washington Monu- 
ment and Library of Congress, a more exquisite panorama of natural 
and architectural beauty could not be found. Of the 800 soldiers living 
there, more that 250 are bed-ridden in the large hospital, where they 
receive every care and attention. 



[46] 




®be g>olbters' 



[47] 



Cabin foim 
Prtbse 




J| ABIN JOHN BRIDGE which is a few miles west of Washington, forms 
^ part of the aqueduct system and is the largest stone arch in the world, 

■ " making a span of 220 feet and rising 57,26 feet. History records but 

*M ~gj one bridge or stone arch larger than Cabin John. It spanned the 

^,^ ^, _y r v jr Adda, a tributary of Po at Trezzo, in northern Italy, but the date of its 
construction and just when it was demolished has never been accurately 
determined. Cabin John Bridge which was practically completed in 
1 863 will stand forever as a monument to Montgomery Meigs, in whose 
mind it was conceived. The working plans were prepared by Alfred L. Rives, the Assistant 
Engineer, father of Amelie Rives, the authoress. The origin of the title of Cabin John, as 
applied to both the creek and the bridge, is somewhat legendary. At the beginning of the 
century, a mysterious person appeared in the vicinity and built for himself a rough cabin, 
a short distance above the bridge. The only name by which he was known was "John." 
Sometimes he was referred to as "Captain John" and "John of the Cabin" and the present 
name is either a corruption of Captain John or derived from John of the Cabin. This 
strange hermit communed with no one, living entirely by himself and fished and hunted 
for subsistence. It is said that one day he disappeared and was never seen or heard of 
afterwards. 

During the days of slavery the old negroes of the vicinity, insisted that the ghost of 
Cabin John often appeared and was seen wandering about the deserted cabin. 



[48] 



Cabin Sfoftn 
JBribge 




[49] 



Qtfje Corcoran 
<©allerj> of Srt 



MHE Corcoran Gallery of Art was given to the people by Wil- 
son Corcoran, who devoted a portion of his fortune to the 
welfare of his fellow men. The gallery was begun in 1 859, 
but its progress was interrupted by the Civil war, and it was 
-A. not until 1 869 that Mr. Corcoran deeded it to the trustees for 

"The perpetual establishment and encouragement of painting, sculpture 
and fine arts generally." The collection is valued at two million dollars, 
contains four thousand works of art and is steadily increasing. 



[50] 




tEfje Corcoran 
(gallerp of Srt 

Completed 1897 



[51] 



Jforb'jS 
theatre 




T THE time of the breaking out of the Civil war, Ford's Theatre 
was the fashionable place of amusement in Washington. On 
the night of April 14, 1865, President Lincoln with his wife and 
several of his staff were invited to attend the play. During one 
of the intermissions, J. Wilkes Booth who was acting a leading 
part, entered the box of the President and before the occupants 
realized what had happened, shot the President in the back of 
the head. At the same moment other assassins attempted to 
murder the cabinet officers, but were unsuccessful. Booth and his companions 
succeeded in escaping, but all were captured with the exception of Booth, and 
were tried and hung at the arsenal. Booth was eventually traced to a stable in 
Maryland where, when he found that escape was impossible, he committed suicide. 
After the tragedy the theatre was closed. The government purchased it, 
and after remodeling, used it for the record and pension division of the war depart- 
ment. The place, however, seemed doomed for tragedy, for in 1893, the floor 
collapsed, injuring many clerks and killing others. 



[52] 




Jforb'g 
^teatre 



[53) 



g>t. f ofjn'sf 

Protestant 

Episcopal 

Cfjurcf) 



[54] 




F THE churches in Washington, St. John's probably 
k excites the greatest interest. It was built in 1816, 
on the north of La Fayette Square, and is the second 
oldest church in the city. In 1816 a pew was set 
apart for the President of the United States and was 
occupied by everyone of them down to Lincoln and 
subsequently by Arthur. It is called the Church 
of State. It has been the scene of many cele- 
brated weddings and from it many 
persons once prominent in military 
and omicial life have been 
taken to their last resting 
place. 




American 
^ecuritp ana 
GtruSt Co. 



[55] 



jfflansion 




MONG the many historic homes in Washington, there is none around which is 
woven a web of greater romance than that which surrounds the old Van Ness 



mansion. 



#3*3) 



The woman who reigned there for so many years stands out 
prominently among the noted women of Colonial times. She was Marcia 
^B Burns, daughter of David Burns who owned a large plantation on the site 
where Washington now stands, and who so long and so stubbornly refused 
to sell his land to the Government for laying out the National Capital. With 
his charming daughter he lived in a low, four-roomed house which was known 
as the "Burns Mansion" and here Marcia held her court, for her suitors were many and came 
from far and near. John P. Van Ness, a Congressman from New York who was "well fed, well 
bred and well read" won the maiden's heart and at twenty years of age she married him. For 
several years they lived in the little house and it was there their only child, a daughter, was born. 
During the daughter's school days at Philadelphia a new mansion was built on the same grounds, 
close to the old home, so sacred to Mrs. Van Ness (Marcia Burns). Costly woods and Italian 
marbles adorned the interior of the new mansion which was the most luxurious and complete 
home of the time. After the daughter's death, which occured within a few years after her return 
from school, the broken-hearted mother consecrated her life to God, and up to the time of her 
death adopted all the little motherless children round about and gave them a mother's love and 
care. This was the beginning of the City Orphan Society of Washington. Her husband survived 
her many years and was noted as one of the most lavish hosts of the day. 

The mansion is fast going to ruin. By the superstitious it is thought to be haunted, and it is 
said that once a year on the anniversary of the death of Mr. Van Ness, six headless horses are seen 
galloping around the house in the dead of night, while the trees sigh and moan an accompaniment. 



[56] 




jftlanStnn 



[57] 



W$t ©ctagon 




NOTHER house that is supposed to be haunted is the 
Octagon House, which was built over a hundred 
years ago by Col. John Tayloe. It was in this house 
that President and Mrs. Madison lived after the burn- 
ing of the White House by the English in 1814, and 
here the peace treaty was drawn. Within its walls 
"Dolly" Madison, the most popular woman of our 
country, held her famous drawing-rooms that were 
attended by scholars, war heroes, statesmen and diplomats. Near the 
house was a long line of slave pens and the old auction block, where 
men, women and children were sold to the highest bidder. While the 
old house rang with mirth, misery sat on the door-step. Hence the story 
goes, the spirits of the slaves make nightly visits and announce their 
coming by the ringing of bells. 



[58] 




tEfce (Octagon 

I?OUS'f 



[59] 



QCije department 
of Agriculture 



HE situation of the Department of Agriculture is the best 
of any of the Government buildings. The beautiful ter- 
raced gardens surrounding it contain almost every plant 
of our country and in season are a blaze of exquisite color. 
In the spacious conservatories adjoining are horticultural 
specimens from all parts of the world. The collection of 
palms is unequaled. The investigations of the many 
divisions of the department are rendered useful to the 
citizens of the United States by the free distribution of the one thousand 
different books and pamphlets, which contain matter of great value to 
the agriculturist. More than seven million copies are distributed annually. 
In addition, one hundred and thirty thousand dollars is expended each 
year in sending to all parts of the country seeds that have been tested 
for their purity. 




[60] 




QElje JBepartmcnt 
of Agriculture 



[61] 



Cfjrijst Cfjurcf), 
gllexarttiria, Ua. 



[62] 




^S.F THE many spots in Alexandria held sacred in 
% the minds of its residents, the dearest one of all 
is the old Christ Church which contains the pew 
where, Sunday after Sunday, George Washington 
sat, a participant in the services. Robert E. Lee 
was also a regular attendant. 




CfjriSt Cfjurti), 
Slexanbrta, "Va. 



[63] 



Cfje J^aljnemann 
ifflonument 




NE of the most artistic statues adorning the parks of 
Washington is the one erected by the American 
Institute of Homoeopathy to the honor of Samuel 
Hahnemann, father of Homoeopathy. Hahnemann 
who was one of the most profound scholars of his 
time, was born at Meissen, Saxony, April 11, 1 755. 
He was the son of a porcelain painter who did all 
in his power to restrain the lad from having any- 
thing more than a rudimentary education. However, at twelve years of 
age, he was appointed instructor in elementary Greek, and at twenty 
was master of six languages. He succeeded in working his way through 
Leipzig by translating and coaching. Later he became proficient not 
only in all modern languages but in the dead ones as well, and graduated 
in medicine with the highest honors in 1 779. Through his advanced 
thinking he endured the greatest hardships, but never failed to receive 
recognition at the hands of the Government. He died at Paris, July 2, 
1 843, at eighty-nine years of age. 



[64] 




jWonument 



[65] 



QDije ^Bancroft 
JWanston 





T IS interesting to know 
that George Bancroft, 
who was the first his- 
torian to bring order out 
of our chaotic history, 
spent the last twenty 
years of his life in this 
house, and here completed the 
first authentic history of the United 
States. 



[66] 




Cttp Hall 



[67] 




THE GREAT FALLS OF THE POTOMAC 



[66] 




&ock Creek 

It was on Rock 
Creek, the stream 
that winds through 
the beautiful park 
of the same name, 
that Robert Fulton 
tested his miniature 
steamboat. 
The "Clearmont" in 
which he made his 
first trip up the 
Hudson river in 
1807, was built after 
that tiny model. 



[69] 



VLi}t patent 
Office 



[70] 





[71] 



THE CARNEGIE PUBLIC LIBRARY 



[72] 




I^JN THE month of August, 1814, Francis Scott Key, a prominent young lawyer of Georgetown, D. C, 
I A was requested to obtain the sanction of our government to intercede with the British for the 
%_ release of Dr. Beans who was being held a prisoner. After securing the necessary papers from 
j^_ the State Department, on the third of September Key left for Baltimore, where he was joined by 
\A. Col. James S. Skinner, commissioner of exchange. Together they embarked, under a flag of truce, 
°" on the United States cattle-ship Minden for the British fleet, which lay at the mouth of the Potomac 
river. Although courteously received, they were not permitted to leave until after the contemplated 
bombardment of Fort McHenry. For three days Key witnessed the landing of nine thousand men 
and their preparations for an attack on his country at North Point. The enemy then moved farther up the 
Patapsco, drawing up their sixteen heavy war ships in line of battle two miles from the fort. At sunrise 
on the thirteenth of September they commenced their well directed bombardment. Major George 
Armistead, commander of the fort, opened his batteries upon the British but the missiles fell short and were 
harmless. The fort was poorly garrisoned and for several hours was exposed to a tremendous shower of 
shot and shell. Emboldened, the British sent their bomb-ships nearer, but they were soon driven back. 
The bombardment increased in fury and the firing continued incessantly until after midnight. 

In agony of mind Key had watched the fight. With the last fading ray of light he discerned the 
beloved flag still proudly waving, but when the firing ceased his anxiety for his country was not relieved. 
His suspense was growing unbearable when "by the dawn's early light" he saw "that the flag was still 
there." His ecstacy and gratitude knew no bounds. During those moments of complete self-forgetfulness 
the inspired words, "The Star Spangled Banner" came to him, — the germ that developed into the immortal 
lines of our National Anthem. 

The home which Mr. Key left to go on his mission of mercy still stands, though in a most dilapidated 
condition. An association has, however, recently been organized (with Hon. Henry B. F. Macfarland, Presi- 
dent, and Admiral George Dewey, U. S. N., Vice-President) for the purpose of preserving the house in com- 
memoration of the man who in his hour of detention and despair gave to Americans a National Anthem. 



<Efje g>tar 
g>pangleb 
farmer 



The flag that waved 

over Fort McHenry. 

The flag Key 

christened "The 

Star Spangled 

Banner." 

Now in the care of 

The National 

Museum 




BHSfe 3 * ^T$-^ \TS 



By permission of N. W. Ayer & Son. 



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